American School in London, London

The school wanted to update and upgrade their theatre which had not been altered since the school was built in the 1970s, and held a limited competition to select an architect. The competition was won by a scheme costing considerably more than the original budget that aimed to produce a much better theatre, with more seats on a steeper rake and improved sight lines. This involved digging out up to 3m below the existing level, replacing two concrete columns and underpinning the edges of the theatre space - all this work being done under three storeys of school building that was in use - including the library directly above. The theatre now has a lighting bridge, displacement ventilation and much improved back of house spaces and has been renamed as a media centre.